that was enough.
We decided prom would be our big coming out. Only now that I’m standing on the top step of Lucas’s winding staircase, June’s mom’s studio lights casting me in a glow powerful enough to spawn angels, announcing that I’ve been in a loving relationship with Tory, Hayden’s brother, for more than three months, seems terrifying.
“Why is your mom so obsessed with taking photos of us walking down stairs in high heels?” I ask my friend. She laughs from just over my shoulder.
“Just a little longer,” she promises. She said that thirty minutes ago.
We’ve been lined up in this same position for about twenty minutes, taking turns standing in different spots. When we started, the guys were all paired with us, and Tory kept pinching my ass. He’s making me regret picking the short black dress. I know I look good in it, though. It works with my curves, and I tested to make sure it wouldn’t ride up while I danced. I intend to put these shoes and this dress to work. Tory has promised me he’ll salsa. We’ll see how long before he bows out.
“Okay, now just one more for each couple,” June’s mom begs. Collectively we groan, but none of us really mind making Kristen Mabee happy. June and Lucas go first, so I take a break from smiling and duck into Lucas’s room.
Most of our parents are here in the house, and June’s mom has been patient letting my mom art direct some of my shots. It’s a habit for her, having been on set with me for so many test shots.
The D’Angelos both came, and Natalia even helped me with my dress. Their divorce is almost final, but oddly their relationship has never been better. Tory said his dad comes to the house every Sunday for dinner, and they usually end up sitting around the table as a family for two hours just talking after the food is gone. Some people are just meant to be friends.
My dad moved back to Miami, and I filed a restraining order and an injunction, extra protection on top of what he pledged in our settlement. With some luck and a lot of legal maneuvers, he should never bother me or my mom again. I had to do something for peace of mind while I was away at college. I don’t worry about my dad hurting her, but I do worry about the harassment. I think his DNA is just woven to make him cruel.
“We’re up,” Tory says with a soft knock on the door.
I suck in one last, deep breath and work the nervous energy out through my fingertips.
“Show time?” I say to him.
“Now or never,” he responds. We pause at the door, and when our eyes meet, we laugh. The idea of never coming clean about us has crossed both of our minds. Keeping secrets is hard, especially one like this that deserves so much public display of affection.
“Ready,” he declares, running his hand down my arm, his fingers finding mine and weaving through all the empty spaces. I turn into him and straighten his tie, flitting my gaze up to find him smirking.
“Now we’re ready,” I say. We squeeze each other’s palms and step through the door, making our way to the landing, then down a few steps.
“Great. Okay . . . Tory?” June’s mom immediately begins directing.
“Yeah?” my boyfriend responds.
“Maybe come down a step so you’re lower; it will balance out your height,” she explains.
“Oh, yeah, sure,” he says, taking a step and turning to face me with a wiggle of his brow.
“Oh, but first? I want to tell you all one thing.”
All eyes jet to us, including those couples I don’t know well. Our group has blossomed while I’ve been gone. Life has rolled on. Hayden is dating Lola. Naomi met a girl. Cannon apparently has a soul and possibly decent taste in women. And Tory—he’s still head over heels in love with me. And he’s about to show the world.
In one smooth movement, Tory tugs me into his arms and leans me back into a daring dip, the fingers of one hand splayed on my bare back, the other griping my thigh. He holds my leg up against him and kisses me in front of every person we care about in Allensville, Indiana.
“Holy fucking shit!” Lucas’s words are the first to ring in my ears, and I laugh against Tory’s lips.
“Wooooo!” June shouts. Her mom whistles with her fingers.
There’s actual applause, which